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Introduction: More than 700, 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds. A total of 77% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. There is an increasing number of suicide all over the world. There is limited data regarding this issue. The available data are based on police reports or on specific populations. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of suicidal attempts among psychiatry patients presented to the Department of Emergency of a tertiary care centre. Methods: A Descriptive cross-sectional study was done in a tertiary care centre from January 2019 to July 2020 after taking Ethical approval from the same institute. Beck Suicide Intent Scale, MINI-7, IPDE and PLESS were used to assess suicidal intent, psychiatric comorbidities, personality disorder and life stress event scores respectively. Bronfenbrenner’s Social Ecological Model was used to access various stressors. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: The Prevalence of suicidal attempts among psychiatry patients in the emergency department was 265 (24.50%), (21.66-26.74, 95% Confidence Interval). The majority were females 135 (51%). The majority attempted at home 238 (89.81%). Poisoning was the most common mode of attempting suicide. Conclusions: The Prevalence of suicidal attempts among psychiatry patients was higher than in the other studies done in similar settings.

Background: As the patients are an important stakeholder in the hospital, patient satisfaction is the indicator of the overall success of the hospital. It measures two parameters at once; that is, to what extent customers are satisfied and the success level of service providers. So it is crucial to measure patient satisfaction levels in order to adopt a continuous improvement strategy. The main objective of this study is to identify the level of hospital service provided by doctors nurses and other concerned sectors in the tertiary level private hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Similarly, as a measuring tool a structured survey questionnaire was employed.183 discharged patients were selected for the study by using a convenience sampling technique. Result: The patient satisfaction level was nearly very good in all domains. The majority of patients (43.6%) reported that the hospital service was very good and followed by 28.6% stated that the service was good and 27.9% told that the service was very extremely good. It indicated that the hospital services were very good. Analysis reveals that patient satisfaction varied according to educational status (among different levels of education) and occupation. On the contrary, patient satisfaction was not varied according to age, sex, marital status, literacy status, type of family, and address. Conclusion: Assessment of patient satisfaction has long been a declared topic in both nursing and medical professional and research areas. This study shows that overall satisfaction of patient satisfaction was very good. However, there were spaces for improvement as well. Key words: patient satisfaction level, hospital services, measurement

Background: Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of visual impairment. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of refractive error among school-going children of Sunsari district and Biratnagar metropolitan city, Nepal. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from August 2018 to January 2020. Comprehensive eye examination was performed by an experienced optometrist and ophthalmic assistant trained in Paediatric eye care. Data was entered in software, transferred to Microsoft Excel, and analyzed by using SPSS version-20. Results: During this period a total of 186215 students were enrolled. Primary screening was done for 124993 (67%) students and Secondary screening was done for 14355(11.5%) children. The overall prevalence of refractive error was 7439 (5.9%) found mostly in male 3897 (52.4%) of 11 to 15 years of age group 4554 (61.2%) (P=0.00). The prevalence of refractive error at schools of Biratnagar was 3156 (7.9%), Dharan was 1680 (8.5%) and Itahari was 1538 (6.0%). It was mostly found in private school going children of urban areas (5.4%) (P=0.00). Myopia (53%) was the most common type of refractive error (P=0.00). Conclusions: The prevalence of refractive error was high in private school of urban area. There is a need to conduct school screening program in both urban and rural areas to rule out the refractive error and other ocular morbidities on time for better quality of life.

El rabdomiosarcoma (RMS) es el sarcoma de tejido blando más común en niños y representa una neoplasia de alto grado de células esqueléticas similares a mioblastos. Décadas de investigación clínica, han mejorado gradualmente nuestra comprensión de la fisiopatología del RMS y han ayudado a optimizar la atención clínica. Los dos subtipos principales de RMS, originalmente caracterizados sobre la base de características microscópicas de luz, están impulsados ​​por mecanismos moleculares fundamentalmente diferentes y plantean distintos desafíos clínicos. La terapia curativa depende del control del tumor primario, que puede surgir en muchos sitios anatómicos distintos, así como del control de la enfermedad diseminada que se sabe o se supone que está presente en todos los casos. La estratificación de riesgo sofisticada para niños con RMS incorpora varias características clínicas, patológicas y moleculares, y esa información se utiliza para guiar la aplicación de una terapia multifacética. Históricamente, dicha terapia ha incluido quimioterapia citotóxica, así como cirugía, radiación ionizante o ambas. En este artículo, se describe información relevante sobre el RMS, los elementos de la atención clínica, incluidos los diagnósticos, la atención basada en el riesgo de la enfermedad recién diagnosticada y recidivante, para de aquella manera, tener información más actualizada sobre esta neoplasia pediátrica.

Uno de los principales problemas detectados en las aulas de clase es la resolución de problemas matemáticos. Las matemáticas son consideradas como un aporte importante para el desarrollo de la inteligencia del ser humano. En el siguiente artículo se trata sobre cómo crear habilidades para la resolución de problemas matemáticos a través de la aplicación de metodologías. El objetivo de este trabajo es abordar temas sobre las metodologías necesarias para la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de las matemáticas. La realización de este estudio, se fundamentó en la aplicación de una metodología cualitativa y cuantitativa, para la obtención se datos se utilizando un cuestionario aplicado a los estudiantes de nivel superior básico superior de la escuela Magdalena Dávalos #32 Tosagua, Manabí, Ecuador. De esta manera se pudo concluir que la comunicación del docente-estudiante mediante la explicación de los temas que se cumplen mediante el currículo escolar es importante y un referente para la enseñanza del mismo. Así mismo se recomienda la utilización de juegos didácticos, tecnología y juegos de destrezas como metodología para fomentar su aprendizaje.

Las rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal interactúan con distintos tratamientos o metales presentes en suelos enriquecidos con composta, que mejoran las condiciones del suelo y benefician al crecimiento de la planta. El objetivo fue analizar el desarrollo de Medicago sativa con rizobacterias en condiciones de estrés. Se germinaron semillas de alfalfa de dos variedades (Victoria y Aragón), inoculadas con dos rizobacterias; se trasplantaron en invernadero y se adicionó sulfato de cobre, composta, en dos tipos de suelo (regado con aguas residuales y aguas de pozo). El suelo residual presentó significancia en el número de hojas y altura de la planta, la variedad Victoria en el número de hojas, la cepa M40 en el diámetro del tallo y la composta con 37 g en longitud de raíz. El uso de rizobacterias asociadas a la raíz en combinación con composta y metales pesados permite desarrollar tecnologías con beneficios para la Medicago sativa.

Introduction: Burst fractures are the most common fractures in the thoracolumbar junction. Unstable burst fractures are mostly associated with neural injury. Early neurological and mechanical stabilisation are the goals of treatment. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of thoracolumbar burst fractures among patients admitted to the spine unit of the Department of Orthopedics of a tertiary care centre. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in a tertiary care centre from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 079/80-11/BHG). Demographic details, mode of injury, morphology, neurological level, and neurological grade using the American Association of Spinal injury, Visual analogue Scale, Oswestry Disability Index and kyphotic angle were recorded. A convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 90% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Among 85 patients, the thoracolumbar burst fractures was found in 30 (35.25%) (26.73-43.77, 90% Confidence Interval). The mean age of patients was 39.73±13.91 years. Conclusions: The prevalence of thoracolumbar burst fracture was similar to other studies done in similar settings.

Las transformaciones actuales han generado dentro del sistema educativo la necesidad de la elaboración y aplicación de nuevas estrategias destinadas a motivar el interés por la lectura y escritura en los estudiantes desde temprana edad, y con ello obtener un aprendizaje significativo que les permita adaptarse integralmente a la sociedad. El presente estudio se realizó con la finalidad de analizar la lectoescritura como elemento fundamental en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje de los estudiantes de Básica Media de la Unidad Educativa José Alejandro Bermúdez del cantón Tosagua en la provincia de Manabí. El estudio se basa en un enfoque cuantitativo con un alcance descriptivo; asimismo, se utilizaron técnicas como la encuesta, la observación y la revisión documental bibliográfica, cuyos datos permitieron el análisis y procesamiento de información. La recolección de información se obtuvo directamente del entorno mediante la ejecución de una entrevista a 10 docentes del colegio y la aplicación de un cuestionario a 30 estudiantes. Se concluyo que la lectoescritura debe ser fundamental para el aprendizaje de los estudiantes desde el principio de la escolaridad, debido a que leer y escribir correctamente es la base de cualquier actividad o trabajo. El uso de las habilidades de lectoescritura en actividades académicas aumenta significativamente el desarrollo de la expresión oral de los estudiantes, les da confianza y les permite interactuar más en las actividades escolares. Durante el diagnóstico, se encontró las mayores dificultades se manifestaron en la comprensión lectora, sin embargo, cuando comenzaron a enfatizar la lectura y su importancia, los estudiantes comenzaron a expresar sus ideas y pensamientos de forma más clara y precisa.

Introduction: Spondylolysis can either be asymptomatic or can cause significant low back pain. It is sometimes associated with the translation of one vertebra over another and is termed spondylolisthesis. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of spondylolysis among patients without low back pain in a diagnostic centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in a referral diagnostic centre from 15 December 2018 to 14 December 2021 . Ethical approval was obtained from the Nepal Health Research Council (Reference number: 2903). Images of a computed tomography scan of the abdomen performed for other abdominal causes and without low back pain were reconstructed in the sagittal and coronal plane and evaluated for the presence of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in the lumbar spine. Demographic data were taken from the hospital records. Convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Among 768 patients without low back pain, spondylolysis was found in 59 (7.68%) (5.80-9.56, 95% Confidence Interval). Spondylolisthesis was found in only 16 (27.1%) individuals with spondylolysis. The majority of spondylolysis cases were encountered in L5 level in 54 (91.53%). The mean age of patients with spondylolysis was 41.9±14.46 years. Male to female ratio was 1:1.18. Conclusions: The prevalence of spondylolysis in our study was found to be similar to other studies done in similar settings.

Background: Uncorrected refractive error is the commonest cause of preventable visual impairment and disability among children. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of refractive error among children in the Koshi Rural Municipality of Sunsari district. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted from 1 November to 31 December 2020 involved children between the ages of 4 - 18 years from Koshi Rural Municipality. The variables recorded included gender, age, religion, school type, visual acuity, and types of refractive error. Ethical approval was taken from the rural municipality and institutional review committee of Biratnagar Eye Hospital. Results: A total of 7830 children were screened in the door-to-door campaign. The majority (n = 5508, 72%) were Hindu and 2232 (28%) were Muslims. Only 6575 (84%) children were enrolled in school. Among them 3130 (40%) were going to government schools, 2105(26.9%) were going to private schools and 1340 (17.1%) children were going to a Madrassa (Muslim school) for education. The prevalence of refractive errors among children of Koshi Rural Municipality was 131 (1.7%) (95% CI: 1.4 - 2.0). Hypermetropia was seen in 69 (53%) children, followed by Myopia 60 (46%). Conclusion: The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error among children of Koshi Rural Municipality was low. However, the prevalence of refractive error was high among Muslim children.

In blood rheology we study volume flow rate, blood pressure, velocity, viscosity and shear stress of blood. Cross-sectional area plays an important role for smooth flow of the blood. But some other parameter like composition of blood, length of vessel also affects in the flow rate and pressure of blood. Velocity and volume flow rate are derived by using Poiseuille’s equation.This work presents a mathematical model of blood flow that was created using the N-S equations and computer simulation. Graphs are used to analyze the results.

This paper analyzes the legal provisions pertaining to legal literacy in Nepal. In order to practice existing laws and retain the rule of law in the state, basic understanding of law among people is crucial. In the context of Nepal, the rights and obligations granted by the constitution are still unrealized by its people. Moreover, people are intimidated and alienated from law knowingly or ignorantly. In the same way, access to justice for the ordinary populace seems unachievable. Similarly, service deliveries trends of state are often being experienced partial and discriminatory. Lack of legal knowledge could be the significant reason behind all these challenges. Thus, the researcher argues that, until and unless the state makes a specific provision regarding legal literacy and executes them practically, the attainment of rule of law is unthinkable. In this paper, the existing constitution and its legal provisions, programs and policies related to legal practice and legal literacy have been examined to ascertain the state’s attempt regarding legal literacy. The researcher concludes that legal awareness is an indispensable part of rule of law, which contributes to developing the self-realization among individuals and further enables them to participate in the governance process.

Majhis have coped with marginal resources in the Neoliberal economic context and are facing many problems. This article focuses on the Majhi people and their livelihood transformation from traditional occupation. The main objectives of this study are to explore the present condition of the Majhi people in Baglung and how they got into their traditional profession. This study adopts qualitative data based on observations, case studies, and in-depth interviews through primary and secondary sources of literature review. Majhi people have coped with marginal resources in the Neoliberal economic context and facing many problems. They usually change their traditional occupations to boating, selling firewood, gold mining, and fishing. There are forced to change their livelihoods due to globalization. Modern means of transportation and limited income are insufficient to fulfill their basic needs. They face social, economic, and physical difficulties in their daily lives. Globalization and modern modes of transportation present them with more challenges and fewer opportunities because of the construction of the Pokhara-Baglung highway. Majhi people have not been able to easily grasp opportunities for political, social, and educational changes due to a lack of education after abandoning their traditional occupation and living place due to the construction of Pokhara- Baglung highway. This paper will be valuable for policy maker and, future researchers, and academia as well.

Introduction: Infertility is a disorder of the reproductive system defined by failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Globally, about 10-15% married couples are sub-fertile. 20-40% of female factors for infertility include ovarian cause. Ovarian reserve refers to the size of resting primordial follicle in the ovaries which determines the capacity of the ovary to provide egg cells for fertilization resulting in a successful pregnancy. Ovarian reserve is one of the most reliable investigations to determine ovarian regression, which regresses with age. Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Estradiol (E2), Antral Follicular Count (AFC) and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) are investigations to determine ovarian reserve. Objective: To determine the correlation of antral follicular count and follicular stimulating hormone with anti-mullerian hormone in determining ovarian reserve among infertile women attending infertility clinic of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). Methodology: This was a prospective, hospital based study conducted among 78 patients attending infertility clinic in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at TUTH, Kathmandu from 14th April 2017 to 13th April 2018. After taking history and examination, routine infertility investigation was sent. On the Day 2 or Day 3 of the cycle, serum FSH and AMH were sent. On the 3-5 day of the cycle, trans-vaginal scan was done for antral follicular count. Follicular monitoring was done every alternate day from day 9 of natural cycle till the follicle became 18 to 22 mm. If no follicle developed even after day 20 of menstruation, monitoring was stopped and development of follicle or failure was noted. This monitoring was done in single cycle. Early follicular phase serum FSH, AMH and AFC were correlated in relation to follicular development. Result: Among 78 patients included, mean age was 27.6 ± 3.14 years. The mean FSH, AMH and total AFC were 6.46 ± 1.90 IU/ml, 5.01 ± 3.46 ng/ml and 15.88 ± 5.21 respectively. A strong positive linear correlation between AFC and AMH (p

Objectives: Adolescent friendly health services are the tailored health services for adolescents in a friendly environment where adolescents can easily and comfortably access and enjoy sexual and reproductive health services. Utilization of such services helps to address sexual and reproductive health problems faced by adolescents and the status of adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in Nepal is alarming. However, limited studies have been conducted on utilization of Adolescent Friendly Health Services and its associated factors among school adolescents. Thus, this study was carried out to assess the factors associated with utilization of adolescent friendly health services in Sunsari district of Nepal. Methods: This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out among 502 secondary school adolescents of grade 9 and 10 studying either in public or private schools of Inaruwa Municipality Sunsari District, Nepal. Single stage cluster sampling was followed in this study. Data was collected through administration of pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire during the period of January to March, 2022. Results : Regarding socio-demographic characteristics, majority of the participants were female (56.2%) compared to male (43.8%). Mean age of the participants was 15 years with standard deviation of 1.359 years and most (92.8%) of them followed Hinduism. More than half of the participants (54.0%) belonged to Madhesi ethnicity and most (61.0%) of them were from nuclear family. Likewise, majority (90.6%) of the adolescents were unmarried whereas 5.6 % were in relationship. More than three-fourth of the participants (79.5%) were staying with their parents. Most participants (53.2%) reported having very close relationship with their family. Similarly, majority (70.9%) of the adolescents had not seen the logo of adolescent friendly health services but three fourth (75.5%) of them had heard about adolescent friendly health services. Only 38.5% of participants were known about the availability of adolescent friendly health institution in their locality and more than three fourth (79.9%) of participants said that the time required to reach health facility was less than 30 minutes. Less than one fourth (24.1%) of the participants had felt needs for sexual and reproductive health services. The utilization of adolescent friendly health services among adolescents was low i.e., 14.5% (CI: 0.115-0.176) and more than half (54.8%) of them had used counselling services. Regards of preference, 44.4% of the participants stated that they preferred private health facilities and most of them (79.3%) preferred the health facility nearby their residence. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, different intervention programs could be conducted to increase the awareness about adolescent friendly health services among adolescents which may increase its utilization.

La aféresis es el procedimiento más utilizado para la obtención de concentrados plaquetarios de alto rendimiento, calidad y para mejorar las terapias transfusionales en pacientes trombocitopénicos, oncohematológicos,cirugias e incluso, en pacientes con factores clínicos adversos a la refractariedad. Objetivo. Determinar la eficacia de un separador celular en la colecta de plaquetas en un Instituto Nacional de Salud de Lima. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo; la muestra fue de 80 concentrados plaquetarios, obtenidos por plaquetoaferesis y utilizando el equipo de separador celular americano. La colecta de plaquetas se realizó en un servicio de Hemoterapia y Banco de Sangre de una institución de salud de Lima, durante los meses de febrero a julio de 2018. La eficacia se realizó evaluando el rendimiento, la eficiencia y el cumplimiento de estándares de calidad aprobados. Uno de los parámetros utilizados fue el recuento de plaquetas y leucocitos residuales, procesados en el analizador hematológico. Resultados. Las evaluaciones fueron: concentración promedio de plaquetas por concentrado plaquetario (rendimiento)= 3,4 x 1011 plaquetas /ml, recuento de leucocitos residuales = 0,07 x 10 6 leucocitos/ml, volumen promedio de sangre procesado = 2480 ml, volumen final promedio = 217,5 ml, eficiencia en la colecta = 56,9 a 63,9 %, el tiempo medio por procedimiento de colecta = 72 minutos. Conclusiones. Los concentrados plaquetarios obtenidos con el procedimiento de plaquetoaferesis cumplen con los estándares de calidad nacional e internacionales, por lo que, se concluye que este procedimiento es eficaz en la colecta de productos de alta calidad que logran la eficacia en la transfusión.

Though lichen is an important biological entity, it has been overlooked in biodiversity assessment, research and priorities. To minimize this gap with the available resources and facilities, an initiation has been taken to enumerate the available lichen species in the premises of Prithvi Narayan Campus (PNC), Pokhara, Nepal. A survey has been conducted to explore mostly the foliose lichens diversity in 2022 and resulted 17 confirmed species belonging to 12 genera from 5 families. The Parmeliaceae and Physciaceae are found to be dominated families. Though the findings of this study are based on the morphological features, using available laboratory facilities at PNC, further in-depth survey and advanced identification methodologies are recommended.

A atividade agrícola gera subprodutos diversos, dentre os quais destacam-se as embalagens de agrotóxicos, que se caracterizam por serem elementos perigosos no que se refere à poluição/contaminação ambiental. Para esse tipo de resíduo a Lei nº 7.802/1989 (Lei dos agrotóxicos) e a Lei nº 12.305/2010 (Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos), determinam que seja realizada a logística reversa, de modo que estes retornem em segurança para o fabricante. Neste sentido, esta pesquisa tem por objetivos: Diagnosticar a situação atual da logística reversa das embalagens de agrotóxicos e analisar os dados do comércio de agrotóxicos e do recolhimento de embalagens pelo estudo de caso da Cidade de Frutal/MG durante os anos de 2019 e 2020. Para tal, foi realizado um estudo in loco no Associação de Revendedores Agrícolas de Frutal (ARAFRUTAL), bem como foram obtidos dados do Sistema de Controle do Comércio de Agrotóxicos (SICCA) do Instituto Mineiro de Agropecuária (IMA), realizando o mapeamento e tratamento de dados para analisar o comportamento mensal e anual do posto de coleta de embalagens vazias de agrotóxicos vinculado ao sistema nacional de coleta de embalagens do Instituto Nacional de Processamento de Embalagens Vazias (inpEV). Verificou-se que as embalagens de 1 kg, 5 kg, 1 l, 5 l, 10 l e 20 l são as embalagens mais vendidas. Em 2020, no Munícipio de Frutal foram comercializadas 635.000 unidades de agrotóxicos, sendo, 231.607 l e 651.580 kg de produtos, que representa respectivamente 58,46% e 37,17% a mais que o demandado no ano de 2019. A logística reversa realizada das embalagens foi de plásticos e papéis. Dos plásticos: 34.990 kg em 2019 e 35.615 kg em 2020. No ano de 2020, o posto de coleta recebeu 20,51% menos material que o ano de 2019, observando desse modo que a devolução das embalagens, apresentou baixos índices. Logo, observou-se que o consumo dos produtos aumentou, mas, a devolução das embalagens reduziu. Neste viés, faz-se necessário a conscientização da importância dessa prática junto aos agricultores, incentivando as devoluções das embalagens.

Crystal deposition disorders are one of the causes of inflammatory arthropathy. A rare variety of this disorder is Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate deposition disease. It is usually seen in the elderly and progresses as calcifications in and around the joint i.e. Chondrocalcinosis with repeated synovitis leading to degenerative changes of large and unusual or non-weight-bearing joints. It is a case report of 43 years housewife with a gradually enlarging mass at posteromedial aspect of the left elbow with ulnar nerve weakness for 1 year. Radiographs revealed degenerative joint with periarticular calcifications. The electrodiagnostic test showed ulnar nerve demyelination and axonal neuropathy. Surgical excision with decompression of ulnar nerve was done. Histopathology revealed features consistent with Pseudogout. Subsequent follow-up resulted in improvement of nerve function with no clinicoradiological evidence of recurrence. So, degenerative changes with periarticular calcifications in non-weight-bearing joints should be suspected for pseudogout. It may be associated with compressive neuropathy.

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness worldwide in the age group 20-64 years. Awareness plays crucial role in management and prevention of this serious complication. There is a need of assessment of the awareness level and prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients in Nepal, especially in rural community. This study was intended with an objective to find out the awareness status and prevalence of diabetes retinopathy. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried among the patients visiting a district hospital. The district was chosen by purposeful sampling. A total of 236 required sample size was met by convenience sampling technique and asked to fill out the questionnaire prepared in Nepali to assess awareness of diabetic retinopathy. Detailed ophthalmic consultation of the patients were done. Results: Most of the patients' knowledge about DR inferred from treating physicians and other means of awareness from media and family members. About twenty-four percent of respondents had a good awareness of DR. Awareness was better in males which was statistically significant at p-value of

The Digital Transformation has restructured entire sectors in recent years. Τhe Covid-19 pandemic acted as an accelerator in the transition to the new digital era. Yet, SMEs struggle to successfully implement such profound organizational transformation and thus jeopardize their sustainability and their competitiveness. Greece still has a slow pace of digital transformation compared to other countries of the European Union. This paper applies the PEST-framework to investigate the factors of external macro-environment, such as political, economic, social and technological, that are related to the digital transformation of Greek SMEs. The analysis showed that Greek SMEs are facing multiples challenges, yet several environmental factors could be proved extremely beneficial and helpful for them. Keywords: Digital Transformation, SMEs, external environment, Pest analysis, Greece.

This paper investigates efficient user grouping methods for multi-user multi-input multi-output (MU-MIMO) visible light communication (VLC) systems. Block diagonalization (BD) precoding is considered for interference avoidance. In addition, time division multiplexing (TDM) is applied to perform user grouping when the number of users exceeds the limit of BD precoding based on the number of light emitting diode (LED) transmitters and the total number of users' photodiodes (PDs). User grouping methods are proposed based on pairwise interference considerations among users in the same group. The proposed methods can be implemented through integer linear programming (ILP), which requires less computation than exhaustive search. The numerical results on the average minimum user throughputs over random scenarios indicate that the proposed hybrid method can significantly outperform random user grouping and performs reasonably well compared to exhaustive search. Finally, this study demonstrates that, when BD precoding greatly attenuates the desired user signals, user grouping can help improve minimum user throughputs even though BD precoding can support all users as a single group.

Jacksaint Saintila,1 Yaquelin E Calizaya-Milla,2 Sergio E Calizaya-Milla,2 Ashly A Elejabo-Pacheco,2 Genesis A Sandoval-Valentin,2 Shirley G Rodriguez-Panta2 1Medical School, Señor De Sipán University, Chiclayo, Peru; 2Research Group for Nutrition and Lifestyle, Human Nutrition School, Peruvian Union University, Lima, PeruCorrespondence: Jacksaint Saintila, Medical School, Señor De Sipán University, Km 5, Carretera a Pimentel, Chiclayo, 14001, Peru, Email jacksaintsaintila@gmail.com Yaquelin E Calizaya-Milla, Research Group for Nutrition and Lifestyle, Human Nutrition School, Peruvian Union University, Km 19, Carretera Central, Lima, 15033, Peru, Email yaquelincalizaya@upeu.edu.peIntroduction: Peru is one of the developing countries with the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in Latin America and Caribbean region. Primary school teachers are identified as a high-risk group for overweight and obesity. However, studies conducted in this population group are limited. This study evaluated the association between nutritional knowledge, dietary regimen, and excess body weight in primary school teachers.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included 151 teachers from two state schools in the eastern region of Lima, Peru. The level of nutritional knowledge was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Dietary regimen was also determined. The body mass index (BMI) was determined through self-reported weight and height. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between possible risk factors with excess body weight among teachers.Results: Inadequate nutritional knowledge level (AOR = 5.21, 95% CI: 1.31– 20.93), being male teachers (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.13– 4.45), and being married (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.17– 5.30) were the significant predictors of excess body weight. In contrast, vegetarian teachers were less likely to have excess body weight (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.47– 0.97).Conclusion: Future intervention programs should include improving nutritional knowledge with greater attention to male and married teachers to decrease the risk of excess body weight.Keywords: body mass index, dietary regimen, nutrition knowledge, obesity, overweight, vegetarians

It is a consensus that the semi-arid depressions created in Atlantic Proterozoic Shield underwent intense denudational processes, especially during the Cenozoic. However, there are still no studies on quantifying and spatializing the fluvial incision for the Southern Sertaneja Depression, low course of the São Francisco river. Then, this study sought to quantify and spatialize the fluvial incision over the Proterozoic basement in the Capiá river basin through the integration of geoprocessing and geostatistical techniques (ordinary kriging), based on a Digital Elevation Model. Correlations were drawn between lithological resistance, basement structures and geomorphological aspects. More than half of the analyzed watershed mass has already been removed by denudational processes and the minimum bulk erosion per corresponding area is in contrast with other regions of the planet. The reconstitution of the topography allowed the delimitation of two large morphostructural compartments in the basin. Finally, apatite fission track data from studies already published in the study area were presented.

La poca disponibilidad de agua observada en las presas del país y la sobreexplotación de los acuíferos subterráneos hacen urgente nuevas estrategias para optimizar este recurso. Una estrategia es la optimización del riego mediante el cálculo de las necesidades hídricas para la programación de riegos. El objetivo del este estudio fue analizar la relación entre la evapotranspiración de cultivo (ETc) y coeficiente del cultivo (Kc) en el cultivo del tomate en función del número de tallos, para el suministro el agua de riego a partir de un lisímetro de drenaje y el atmómetro. El trabajo se realizó en condiciones controladas usando tezontle como sustrato y un sistema de riego por goteo. El experimento consistió en tres tratamientos, uno (T1), dos (T2) y tres (T3) tallos por planta. Se utilizó el método del lisímetro de drenaje para medir la transpiración diaria de cultivo (ETc) y un atmómetro para estimar la evapotranspiración de referencia (ETo). La transpiración acumulada del cultivo fue de 352, 389 y 434 mm para T1, T2 y T3 y un kc de 1.06, 1.16 y 1.32 para los mismos tratamientos respectivamente, así como el requerimiento de riego de 1.04, 1.14 y 1.29 L planta-1, ambos parámetros determinados en la etapa de máxima demanda hídrica y nutrimental. Se concluye que las mediciones diarias de traspiración en tomate con el lisímetro de drenaje permiten calcular el requerimiento hídrico de los cultivos, además, el atmómetro es una alternativa para estimar la ETo con fines de calendarización del riego en diferentes cultivos.

El presente trabajo de investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar la innovación y la resiliencia empresarial en el sector turístico del Rímac en el contexto de la pandemia COVID 19, para alcanzar este objetivo se aplicó la metodología de enfoque cualitativo, de método inductivo, diseño fenomenológico, cuya población estuvo conformada por 24 empresarios gastronómicos del Rímac y una muestra de 10 empresarios, como técnica se utilizó la entrevista y como instrumento una guía de preguntas semiestructurada. La investigación concluye que se puede verificar que existe una relación de asociación entre las subcategorías proceso y organizativa, debido a que las empresas se organizaban para cumplir con todos los protocolos de bioseguridad, así como en la innovación en los servicios dando como resultado un producto final, que mantiene una relación de causalidad con las subcategorías mencionadas. Además, se aprecia una relación causal provocada por la subcategoría conocimiento hacia la gestión de riesgo que produce la pandemia por Covid 19 hacía el sector turístico y se evidencia una relación de contradicción entre la subcategoría gobernanza hacía la gestión de riesgo, esto se debe a que la Municipalidad del Rímac poco o nada intervino hacía el apoyo de estas empresas incrementando el riesgo de que cierren.

The objective was to carry out a physicochemical characterization of the mucilage obtained from different sizes of cladodes harvested at different times. Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck cladodes were collected in two sizes (100 to 230 and 240 to 300 mm), at two different times (6 am and 8 pm), and processed for mucilage extraction. This was dried in an oven, and then hydrated and kept at 5 °C for 12 days. The mucilage yield after harvest was quantified, in addition to the characterization of the main bands in the infrared region. In the mucilage, the following physicochemical analyzes were performed: K+ and Na+ content, electrical conductivity, titratable acidity, pH, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C, total soluble solids, total soluble carbohydrates, total soluble proteins after harvest (day 0), and to the 12 days of storage at 5 ºC. Correlation between the variables was determined through principal component analysis (PCA). The highest mucilage yield was obtained in cladodes harvested at 6 am, regardless of size. The 6 am harvest showed higher acidity and protein content and lower concentrations of soluble solids, EC, Na+, K+, vitamin C, carbohydrates, and phenolic compounds. In conservation, the mucilage of the cladodes with sizes between 100 and 230 mm and the harvest at 6 am showed greater stability. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a tendency of formed groups between different sizes, harvest times, and conservation days, indicating that different conditions for obtaining the cladodes result in differences in the composition and stability of the mucilage. Thus, the results show that, in addition to the climatic conditions, as proposed by other authors, the harvest time and the size of the cladode modulate the physicochemical and important ion composition and stability, which can change the technological and industrial applications of mucilage.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the major cause of renal disease that affects 40% of patients with diabetes. DN is characterized by the pathological urine albumin excretion rate (UAER), diabetic glomerular lesions, and loss of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Several studies have found strong association of animal protein with the glucagon activation, insulin resistance, proteinuria, microalbuminuria, and progression of renal disease in diabetic patients. Vegan diet that excludes all animal foods such as meat (including fish, shellfish, and insects), dairy, eggs, and honey, as well as products such as leather has been found significantly beneficial on enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing glucagon activation and incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and slow the progression of DN. Other studies have suggested that avoiding animal food and shifting the source of dietary protein from animal-derived to plant-based products may be a better dietary approach than dietary protein restriction to reduce kidney disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly in CKD and diabetes patients with profound insulin resistance. Based on the literature search conducted in this study we concluded that the vegan diet is beneficial in patients with diabetes and CKD to slow the progression of the DN and renal failure. However, additional interventional studies in humans are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the increased insulin sensitivity by vegan diets and further studies of efficacy and safety of vegan diets in patients with diabetes and DN are recommended.

The increasing use of natural biodegradable polymers is a consequence of the concern of society with sustainability. Mucilage of forage cactus of the genus Nopalea is an attractive polymer matrix for the composition of edible films. Most studies on biodegradable films are carried out with the genus Opuntia. This makes Nopalea an important source of interest in the investigation of film formation. The objective was to study the formulation of films and evaluation of physical, optical, and mechanical characteristics of clones of Nopalea and Opuntia, through the addition of water and glycerol. The mucilage was extracted from cladodes of Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck: clones IPA Sertânia (IPA) and Miúda (MIU); and, from Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw., clone Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM). The powdered mucilage was hydrated and vacuum filtered, followed by the formulation of the films, without glycerol (just water) and with the addition of glycerol at 15%, 25%, and 14% for IPA, MIU, and OEM clones, respectively. The yield of powdered mucilage was higher for Nopalea. Optical tests with the films revealed that the addition of glycerol generated slightly yellow films (positive b* values), with less transparency than the control films, regardless of the clone and higher L* value in IPA clone films. Moisture content and thickness were increased when glycerol was added. All films, with and without glycerol, showed high water solubility. The microstructure revealed that the films with glycerol presented more compact, smooth, and linear surfaces, forming a homogeneous network. The FTIR spectra revealed that the glycerol films showed the same profile as the control samples, but with higher absorption intensities in some bands. The results found in the present work evidence the potential of the genus Nopalea to produce biodegradable films, as already widely known for the genus Opuntia.

विजय मल्लको ‘अनुराधा’ उपन्यासमा पितृसत्तात्मक मूल्य–मान्यताभित्र नारीले झेल्नुपर्ने उत्पीडनको प्रस्तुति गर्नाका साथै सोही उत्पीडनका बिचबाट नायिका अनुराधाको विद्रोह अभिव्यक्त भएको छ । त्यसैले प्रस्तुत लेखमा आमूल नारीवादी सैद्धान्तिक मान्यताअन्तर्गत पहिचान र विद्रोहका आधारहरूको प्रस्तुति गर्दै पितृसत्तात्मक सामाजिक संरचनाभित्र नारीहरूले झेल्ने उत्पीडन तथा त्यसका विरुद्ध उनीहरूले चाहेको पहिचान तथा विद्रोह सम्बन्धी मान्यताको चर्चा गरिएको छ । उपर्युक्त सैद्धान्तिक मान्यताका आधारमा अनुराधा उपन्यासमा प्रयुक्त पितृसत्तात्मक मूल्यभित्र अभिव्यक्त पहिचान र विद्रोहको विश्लेषण गरिएको प्रस्तुत लेखमा मल्लले आफ्नो यस उपन्यासमा नारीउत्पीडन तथा पहिचान र विद्रोहको प्रस्तुतिका माध्यमबाट स्थापित पुरातन मूल्यमान्यतामा परिवर्तन हुनुपर्ने आशय व्यक्त गरेको निष्कर्ष निकालिएको छ । {Vijay Malla is a feminist novelist. His novel Anuradha is also analyzable from a feminist perspective. It is structured in a patriarchal social environment. In addition to presenting the oppression that women have to endure within the patriarchal values amid the same oppression, the heroine Anuradha has revolted against the oppression in search of her existence. Although this novel has been analyzed from other angles, it has not been done from a feminist angle. To fill this gap, the present article explores the contexts of identity and rebellion by collecting data from library work and making the feminist theoretical framework the basis of analysis. The data is analyzed in an explanatory and critical method. In this novel, it is concluded that there is a need to change the old values established through the presentation of women's oppression and identity, and rebellion.}

Introduction: Variceal bleeding from esophageal varices has high morbidity and mortality. There are invasive and non invasive methods by which risk of bleeding can be predicted. Upper Gastro-intestinal endoscopy is invasive, uncomfortable and expensive procedure though being the gold standard to screen Esophageal Varices (EV). Aims: To know the role of non-invasive markers for prediction of esophageal varices and variceal bleed with liver cirrhosis. Methods: A prospective hospital based study was carried in the Department of Internal Medicine, Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur from October 2021 to March 2022. A total of 70 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The non invasive markers were done and correlated with endoscopy. Results: Our study included 70 patients with liver cirrhosis. The mean age in our study was 63.1±8.346 years. During upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal varices was present in 46 (65.71%) patients. Child Turcot Pugh Score C (81.43%) was found in majority. Significant association was found between score C (P

Arsenic contamination in soil and water is one of the major environmental problems in multiple countries including Nepal imposing a serious threat to the ecosystem and public health. Many soil bacteria can detoxify arsenic, including genus Bacillus. With an objective to gauge the plant growth-promoting activities of arsenic-resistant Bacillus species, 36 samples (soil, rice, cauliflower, and beans) were collected from the Terai region of Nepal. For selective isolation of Bacillus species, each sample was heated at 80°C for 15 min before the inoculation into nutrient agar (NA). Following the standard protocol, arsenic-resistant Bacillus species were screened using NA supplemented with 100 ppm sodium arsenate and sodium arsenite. Among 158 randomly selected isolates, only five isolates were able to tolerate sodium arsenite concentration up to 600 ppm. Notably, all five isolates were able to produce indole acetic acid (IAA), a plant hormone, and solubilize phosphate. Based on biochemical analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, isolates N4-1, RW, KR7-12, Bhw1-4, and BW2-2 were identified as B. subtilis subsp. stercosis, B. flexus, B. licheniformis, B. cereus, and B. flexus, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing the presence of arsenic-resistant B. flexus in Nepalese soil with plant growth-promoting traits. Possible utilization of these Bacillus strains could facilitate the novel bioremediation pathway to reduce the toxic effect of arsenic from the soil and water in the Terai region of Nepal.

This article discusses the food issues pertaining to South Asian immigrants’ interactions with the West. Zadie Smith’s White Teeth and V.S. Naipaul’s The Enigma of Arrival constitute the characters who are immigrants from Bangladesh and India to Trinidad to England. Having Hinduism and Islam as their religious roots, the characters manifest their traditional food preferences, taboos and wish to change. For instance, a Muslim character averting the pork, bacon and even the prepared meals and a Hindu character intending to avoid the chicken roast are the cases in hand. Similarly, the change landscape has been demonstrated by a Muslim character ordering for the bacon at a café, a Hindu pundit sitting on table while dining instead of asking for the flour sacks or sugar sacks with the cotton on top. These small-scale changes are the realities of the interstitial interactions of food traditions in the immigrants’ lives. Thus, the article aims to examine the subtlety of food habits, food taboos and loyalty to one’s own food traditions. To meet the objective of this study, the article has adopted accommodative analysis as an approach to analyze these two South Asian novelists’ works that deal with the change and continuity in food habits of the immigrants. Accommodative analysis attempts to see the cultural negotiation as the attempt to foster a better life despite overt differences.

Saline nasal irrigation (SNI) is a clinically established treatment that has been used to manage upper respiratory infections and allergies; there is also some indication that it may be effective in the setting of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The possible advantages of SNI include the following benefits due to the well-known antiviral impact of sodium chloride (NaCl) and the mechanical cleansing effect arising from the irrigation method. First, there will most likely be a decrease in COVID-19 infection rates; second, illness severity will be lowered; and third, community transmission will be mitigated. Despite the need for more concentrated research into these aspects, public health organizations should emphasize alternate infection mitigation measures such as SNI in light of the ongoing COVID-19 problem, low global vaccine supply, and the rapid introduction of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Keywords: Community transmission, COVID-19, Pandemic, Prevention, Saline, SARS-CoV-2.

Introduction: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) are part of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. The knowledge of BLS and ACLS is very important in saving lives for healthcare workers for which they need training and updated knowledge on these topics. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge on BLS and ACLS in a medical college of Kathmandu. Methods: This was a cross sectional retrospective study conducted in Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences. The pretest and posttest scores of the trainees who participated in BLS and ACLS training were analyzed to assess the improvement in the knowledge. The duration of the study was from 1st May 2021 to 31st October 2021 where two sessions of the training were conducted. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analysis was done in Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. Results: Out of 72 participants, the mean pretest score was 5.67 ± 1.91 (56.67%) on BLS (Total score 10) and 9.06 ± 2.21 (60.37%) on ACLS (Total score 15). Post-test scores for BLS and ACLS were 8.69 ± 1.03 (86.94%) and 11.43 ± 1.77 (76.20%) respectively. Statistically significant increase in the mean scores were seen in both BLS [df (71) = -13.532, p < 0.001] and ACLS ([df (71) = -9.956, p < 0.001] with 95% CI while comparing pretest BLS and ACLS with posttest BLS and ACLS scores. Conclusions: Improvement in knowledge was seen amongst participants after the training. This highlights the importance of such training in imparting knowledge regarding BLS and ACLS among healthcare personnel.

Introduction: Chest computed tomography (CT) is used for the screening and diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. The aim of the study is to study the prevalence of residual lung parenchymal CT changes in COVID-19 patients and its association with common predictors. Methods: Longitudinal study conducted at Shree Birendra Hospital in which diagnosed COVID-19 patients with initial CT scan showing COVID-19 related changes were retrospectively enrolled after ethics approval. The study period was from 15 February 2020 to 15 November 2021. Chest CT changes were evaluated and CT scan severity score (CT SS) assigned. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed in SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 16. Results: Males were more common (72.6%) among the 62 enrolled participants with the mean age 53.63 ± 15.05 years. Median interval between two scans was 137 days. Residual lung parenchymal CT changes were seen in 43 (69.4%) participants. Hypertension (25, 40.3%) and GGO (55, 88.7%) were the most common comorbidity and CT features respectively. The mean initial and final CT SS was 10.84 ± 5.87 and 3.55 ± 4.58 respectively (Total score 25, p = 0.001). Age was significantly associated with severity of CT score (p = 0.04). Conclusions: A large percentage of COVID-19 patients have chest CT changes after three months of initial chest CT scan. CT SS reduced significantly in the second scan. Similar studies with long term serial CT follow up of patients is recommended to be carried out in future.

BACKGROUND: Achieving pre-injury activity level after an injury is the fundamental goal of any orthopedic treatment for an athlete. Unfortunately, pre-injury activity levels differ significantly in different patient categories, especially in athletes and non-athlete. Hence, an outcome suitable to a non-athlete may not be adequate for an athlete. This has led to variations in the surgical approach to the same injury in an athlete and non-athlete. There is plenty of literature published comparing the outcome in athletes and non-athletes after a particular surgery. Scattered discussion about variations in these surgeries based on functional demand was done in many publications. But there was a lack of a comprehensive narrative review summarizing variations in common operations among athletes and non-athletes. AIM: This review attempted to summarize variations in common sports operations between high functional demand patients and low demand patients and discuss the variations from the author's perspective. METHODS: A review of all the relevant papers were conducted focusing on athletes and non-athletes. Most commonly performed sports surgeries were ACL reconstruction, Meniscal repair, PCL reconstruction, and Shoulder instability surgery. A literature search was done for each commonly performed surgery using relevant keywords in PubMed and Google Scholars. Summary of papers pertinent to athletes and non-athletes were compiled to prepare this narrative review. RESULTS: There is a lack of papers directly comparing results in athletes and non-athletes. However, many research papers discussed surgical variations in athletes (high demand) and non-athletes (low demand) patients. There are controversies in all commonly performed surgeries, and none of the papers gives a definitive guideline on the approach to athletes and non-athlete. CONCLUSION: Rather than a common suggestion on surgical variation, an individualized approach would be appropriate to decide on variation in particular surgery in both athletes and non-athletes.

Introduction: COVID-19 has emerged as a pandemic and has varied clinical presentation. Computed Tomography scans of the chest play an important role in evaluating the lung parenchymal changes and aids in better planning the management of COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this study was to find the prevalence of abnormal chest computed tomography findings among admitted symptomatic COVID-19 patients in a tertiary care centre. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 25 October 2020 to January 2021 in a tertiary care hospital. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Registration number: 348). Convenience sampling method was used. Chest computed tomography findings of the admitted symptomatic COVID-19 patients were evaluated for abnormal findings. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Among 153 patients, abnormal chest computed tomography findings were seen in 147 (96.07%) (92.99-99.15, 95% Confidence Interval). The findings of ground-glass opacities with consolidations were seen in 78 (53.06%) patients. Conclusions: The prevalence of abnormal chest findings among symptomatic COVID-19 patients in our study was similar to the studies done in other countries in similar settings. Majority of the symptomatic COVID-19 patients showed abnormal chest computed tomography scan findings in the form of ground glass opacities and consolidations.

Existing literature has shown the importance of palliative home care to improve quality of life among end-stage patients. However, access to palliative home care remains an issue. This study explores factors associated with successful delivery of palliative home care in palliative patients.A retrospective study was conducted among patients who were referred to the palliative care team for consultation at Lampang Hospital from April 2020 to March 2021. Data from electronic medical records, including successful delivery of palliative home care, age, gender, public health insurance, admission department, primary disease (cancer, non-cancer), presenting symptoms (pain, dyspnea), palliative performance scale score and morphine use, were retrieved. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to explore the association, adjusting for covariates.A total of 370 patients were identified, with 88 (23.8%) receiving palliative home care. Results showed that being female, having low palliative performance scale score, morphine use, and having Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme insurance are associated with a higher chance of having access to palliative home care, compared with their counterparts.Results of this study pointed out health disparities among palliative patients who required palliative home care. This information can be in part used to redesign palliative home care system with the aim of improving access to care and patients' and caregivers' quality of life as a consequence.

Objetivo: reproducir especies nativas de Ica en vías de extinción, utilizando varias fuentes de sustratos orgánicos en vivero. Método: el estudio se realizó en abril 2021 en el vivero de la facultad de agronomía de la UNICA, utilizando un diseño en boques completo al azar, con16 tratamientos y tres controles, en cuatro repeticiones con tres sustratos diferentes, haciendo un total de 72 unidades experimentales, se analizó las variables: días a la germinación, porcentaje de germinación, altura de planta, diámetro de tallos y numero de hojas por planta. Resultados: se encontró que hubo diferencias significativas al 95 % de confianza entre grupos e intra grupos para todas las variables, el sustrato aserrín ofreció menor días a la germinación (entre 6 hasta 8 días) para las semillas de pacay, superando al control (35 días), el mayor porcentaje de germinación se encontró en la tara (90%) para altura de planta mejor resultados la especie huarango en el sustrato humus (15 cm), para diámetro de tallo el mejor resultado se obtuvo en huarango humus y pacay en sustrato arena (7 hojas) fueron los mejores. Discusión: el sustrato aserrín es un buen sustrato para la germinación rápida, pero por la falta de nutrientes esenciales para la planta no le permite una mayor altura de planta, grosor de tallo y numero de hojas. Conclusión: las especies nativas germinan en diferentes tiempos (días) y de acuerdo al tipo de sustratos que se utilice.

The increasing trend of transformation of land at the expense of fertile agricultural land is becoming troublesome and threatens food security worldwide. The scenario is more severe at the rural-urban interface and the agrarian land on the outskirt of larger cities is at greater risk, however, the extensive literature is not readily available in the Nepalese context. This study focuses on the land use patterns and variables shaping farmers’ choices for the future use of land in Dhading, Nepal. The analysis of land use patterns showed that, between 2013 and 2022, productive agricultural land decreased by 60.28% while non-farm use of land increased by 93.14% in the study area of Dhunibeshi Municipality, Dhading. The cross-sectional survey data among vegetable farming households showed that 36% of the household were eager to switch from farming to non-farm use of their land in the near future. Based on binary logistic regression, land ownership, the share of family income from vegetable production, the proposal received for land conversion, and proximity variables like distance between farmland to the closest non-farm firm, were found to be statistically significant in shaping the farmers’ decisions on agricultural land conversion. The land ownership and lower family income from agriculture activities were identified as major push factors, while the proximity of the farm to non-farm firms, and proposals for urban use of land were identified as major pull factors for land conversion. The widespread adoption of low-cost production strategies in agriculture, and effective implementation of a land-use policy could contribute towards sustainable agricultural land management in the future.